District of Columbia Public Space Activation and ......leader in public space activation. This guide provides supplemental guidance to a variety of stakeholders on how to activate

District of Columbia Public Space Activation & Stewardship GuideDecember 2018

Table of Contents

Introduction 06How to use this guide. 08What, how and why. 09

District of Columbia Context 10District of Columbia context. 12Activation & stewardship is important everywhere. 14Types of spatial activation. 16Aspects of public space activation. 20Supporters and Facilitators. 24District of Columbia - spatial typologies. 28

Impact Examples 30Precedents by Impact Criteria. 32

Activation + Stewardship Tools 44Track sorting form. 46Implementation by individual tracks. 50Activation & stewardship worksheets. 52

CURATOR

LOCATION

DATE

6 7

PROJECT

CROSSING THE STREET

DC FUNK PARADE

This three component project linked DC’s disco roller skate culture to pivotal points in city and neighborhood history. Participants were immersed in the historical, social, and cultural significance of style skating, roller rink communities, and artistic expression in DC across the decades with an emphasis on the era of DC Home Rule in 1973. A collaborative art installation consisting of recycled phonebooths equipped with phones that played recorded oral histories were placed throughout the historic U Street Corridor providing an opportunity to connect with the past and contemplate the future of the neighborhood.

U Street Corridor: Epicenter of African American arts, music, and culture (NW).

DC Funk Parade

May 2016

Introduct ion

The past ten years have seen pop-ups, tactical urbanism and creative placemaking take center stage in cities across the world. Once unsanctioned and impromptu, these events and installations have become a more regular part of the urban lexicon, adopted by municipalities as a means to celebrate and enliven their cities. In every location, these happenings have assumed a different character, reflective of local culture and environment. These events and installations have helped put the public back into the public realm.

In soliciting feedback and input for this document, we asked the question: what makes public space in the District unique? Is it the physical form of the District’s hub and spoke urban plan, the regulatory overlays between federal and city agencies, or the way communities use public space? Though all of these forces are contributors, what we repeatedly heard from stakeholders is this – public space in the District is both well-regulated and activated. There’s the need to organize, regularize, and streamline the process of making these places, but in the best interest of serving communities and celebrating the arts and heritage of the city.

This common ground between regulation and activity is a hallmark of what makes a space activation project successful in the District. This guide provides resources for understanding both.

Space activation focuses on how the space between buildings can be used for community-building. Spatial stewardship treats the public realm as a public resource and promotes the responsible use, management and maintenance of this space by communities.

Throughout this guide, the idea of “impact” is repeatedly referenced. “Impact” is that concept that any spatial activation has the potential to affect a community, the environment, and the city in different ways. The narrative and text in this guide is written with the objective of helping activation and stewardship projects maximize their individual “impacts”, creating a network of successful and sustainable public realm projects throughout the District.

There are many people and organizations involved in activation and stewardship of public spaces in the District. These include, but are not limited to: residents and resident groups; Main Street organizations; Business Improvement Districts; community and arts institutions; District government agencies; and federal agencies. This guide is intended for use by anyone and everyone engaged in maintaining and activating neighborhood places.

7Distr ict of Columbia Publ ic Space Stewardship Guide 6 Distr ict of Columbia Publ ic Space Stewardship Guide

How to use this guide.

What...

How...

Why...

Supplemental guidance on how to activate public space by making public space stewardship and activation more accessible and transparent.

By laying out strategies and models to support cultural expression and consumption in public spaces throughout the District.

To advance the District’s practice in using the public realm for purposes other than vehicle movement, including as places for placemaking around community and culture.

What , how and why.

WHY

HOW

WHAT

This guide is organized into three parts:

• In PART ONE, the District’s specific context is addressed, providing local and historical background and providing definitions and identification of those involved in regulating and reviewing activation and stewardship of public space.

• In PART TWO, physical context is discussed. What are the different components of the public realm and what are the unique characteristics of public space inherent to the District? Case studies from the District and other locations from the U.S. and around the world are also included.

• In PART THREE, a number of worksheets are included to help provide hands-on assistance to individuals and groups who are considering activation projects. These include a track sorting form to help provide guidance around the regulatory process, as well as toolkits that will help inform users on spatial and cultural considerations.

FOLLOW TRACK H: CONSULT GSA

PRIVATE PROPERTY

Track Sort ing Form

Answer the questions below to determine which track your public space activation could follow. Once completed, reference the following pages to get a grasp of the available resources, time needed, and average costs associated with your track!

Is your activation permanent or temporary?

Does your idea appear on DDOT’s “Construction Work Permit Type” list?

PUBLIC SPACE OCCUPANCY PERMIT (DDOT)

FOLLOW TRACK C: SEEK PROPERTY OWNER APPROVAL

FOLLOW TRACK D: PARKS & RECREATION PERMIT (DPR)

FOLLOW TRACK E: PUBLIC GATHERING PERMIT (NPS)

FOLLOW TRACK G: DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS APPLICATION (DGS)

Is the public space District or Federal owned or controlled? Check here!

Is it a park?

Is your roadway activation for a neighborhood block party?

PERMANENT TEMPORARY

YES

PARKING LANE SIDEWALK

PUBLIC PROPERTY (NON RIGHT-OF-WAY)

DISTRICTFEDERAL

FOLLOW TRACK F: MAYOR’S SPECIAL EVENTS TASK GROUP (MSETG)

NO

Is it a park?

YESNO

YES

NO

District AgencyFederal Agency

Where do you plan to implement your public space activation?

ROADWAY (CURB TO CURB)

YES

Is it a school?

NO

District Agencies that regulate parks:• DPR• DDOT

FOLLOW TRACK B:

FOLLOW TRACK A: PUBLIC SPACE CONSTRUCTION PERMIT APPLICATION (DDOT)

NO

Note: Even if the permanent structure is not on the “construction work permit type” list, the Applicant is still required to apply for a Public Space Construction Permit. Applicant should try to find the permit type that most closely aligns or contact DDOT’s permits office with what is being proposed for guidance.

YESNote: May require DCRA approval depending on event type or size.

47

Distr ict of Columbia Publ ic Space Stewardship Guide

46 Distr ict of Columbia Publ ic Space Stewardship Guide

Track Sorting Form (p 46)


District of C

olumb

ia Con

text


Distr ict of Columbia Context

Washington, D.C. has always been a place with a public realm designed for the public. The District of Columbia’s Comprehensive Plan notes that the city was designed as a model for growth, where “streets were deliberately aligned to take advantage of natural topography and vistas, providing sites for monuments and important buildings and creating grand ceremonial spaces.”

This emphasis on planning for the civic aspects of the public realm have resulted in an urban core consisting of more formal public spaces, sized and shaped for gathering and processional events. Ample sidewalks support and connect this network. Even in residential neighborhoods “front yards” are often part of public space and regulated so that their design can be

enjoyed by all as an extension of the parks system. In some locations, buildings engage their lot lines, resulting in a clear delineation between public and private space.

At the same time, the District is a city of neighborhoods. These neighborhoods have often been developed with more informal layouts, different scales of street grids, and more intimate green spaces supporting lower density uses. With this finer grain of development comes a more nuanced relationship between the public, semi-public, and private space between buildings. The public realm in neighborhoods outside of the core may actually be perceived as a combination of streets, sidewalks, front yards, porches and front steps.

The way public space is used

and designed impacts residents,

workers, and visitors. Consistent

application and enforcement

of public space policies and

regulations give our city a

distinct character defined by

open spaces and results in a

greener and more walkable city.

- Public Realm Design Manual (DDOT/DCOP)

Both the formal and more informal public spaces in the District lend themselves to a wide variety of public space activation and stewardship opportunities. Frequently, these are inspired by the historic or cultural context of a place. Other times, these assume a civic function that reflects a larger community or issue. As the population of the District continues to grow, there will be an increasing opportunity to use the strong framework of the District’s public realm as a place for gathering and celebration.


The concept of public space activation and stewardship is not entirely new.

By embracing space activation and stewardship, communities have found ways to use the spatial resources of their neighborhoods to:

• improve the quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors;

• address issues of spatial equity and social justice;

• increase health, safety and security;

• bring people together in new and different ways;

• create a sense of identity;

• promote play, recreation, respite, and enjoyment;

• bring vitality to streets; and

• aid in environmental greening.

Throughout history, the District has been a leader in using public space with a clearly defined public benefit. For example, parking and projection regulations were considered incredibly innovative for their time. During certain periods, the District prohibited the active use of public spaces. However, in recent years, the District has been a leader in public space activation. This guide provides supplemental guidance to a variety of stakeholders on how to activate public space by making public space engagement accessible and transparent.

Throughout history, cities were formed at the crossroads of trade and transportation routes, places of movement where goods and ideas were exchanged. City spaces were activated by the visible evidence of agriculture and economy, and the labor-intensive routines of everyday public and domestic life intermixed in close proximity. Communities came to consensus on how to maintain and manage the common natural resources under their control.

Cities and industries matured, and activities that were once done in public became more discrete. Business and retail uses were tucked into buildings, and these structures were organized in ways that more clearly defined the public realm. As common natural resources were increasingly being managed by more formal agencies, communities became informal stewards of the public realm, or the space between buildings.

Today, communities realize that the public realm can be used to spur different types of human-focused activity and enhance the innate vitality of their neighborhoods.

Space activation focuses on how the space between buildings can be used for community-building. Spatial stewardship treats the public realm as a public resource and promotes the responsible use, management and maintenance of this space by communities.

Act ivat ion & stewardship is important everywhere.

CURATOR

LOCATION

DATE

30 31

PROJECT

CROSSING THE STREET

IF YOU LIVED HERE

A full-scale replica of an 1867 Freedman’s Bureau house was the backdrop to guide visitors on a reflective experience on how we live, both in the house and in the broader community. The project commemorated the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Freedmen’s Bureau community in the neighborhood, later named Hillsdale. A series of activities including community gatherings, historical presentations and dialogues helped to spur conversation and self-reflection among attendees who could draw parallels between the past and present. With anticipated development and change coming to this community, the project provided critical insight into understanding how heritage can inform the future.

Grassy open space in the front yard of the Anacostia Communitwy Museum (SE).

The Pink Line Project

July 2017

CURATOR

LOCATION

DATE

22 23

PROJECT

CROSSING THE STREET

ECHO: INTERSECTION MIXTAPE

A soundscape was mixed to honor the past, present, and future of three neighborhoods built from interviews, soundwalks, voice messages, and song requests. A celebratory neighborhood listening party held in a vacant lot provided a setting to play the documented sounds and stories of the community. The project aimed to both preserve what is unique about the community and empower residents to communicate their sense of identity and place connecting diverse and local audiences in a way that is both accessible and authentic.

Vacant lot at the intersection of North Capitol Street and Bates Street (NW).

Van Alen Institute

November 2016


Types of spat ia l act ivat ion

Spatial activation and stewardship can take many forms.

From temporary to semi-permanent, spatial activations frequently use a combination of programming (or, an activity component) and physical improvements. The below list is not intended to be exhaustive, but highlights some frequently seen types of spatial activation.

TEMPORARY SPACE/PROGRAMMING PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENT/BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Street Performances

Parades

Marathons

Demonstrations

Outdoor Sports

Block parties

Festivals

Street markets

Farmers’ markets

Street vending

Vending development zones

Parklets

Pop-up commerce

Temporary beaches

Outdoor movies

Temporary plazas

Free libraries

Murals & public art

Cafe seating

Temporary pavilions

Public seating

Celebrations

Commemoration

Activation vs. EnhancementA distinction should be made between open space activation and open space enhancement. Open Space activation uses public spaces for people, in ways that improve quality of life and community awareness through dynamic engagement. Open space enhancement focuses on improving the aesthetic qualities of space.


Concept definit ions

Public space“A broad term that includes the area within the street right-of-way which can take on many different appearances. Typically thought of as the publicly-owned area between private property lines, it includes the roadway, tree space, sidewalk, and often what appears to be front yards. Regulations for public space are also applied to private property within building restriction lines that define additional setbacks on some streets.”

Public Realm Design Manual (DDOT/DCOP)

Tactical urbanism An approach to neighborhood building and activation using short-term, low-cost, and scalable interventions and policies.

Parklet

Temporary urbanism “[Underused urban space that is] temporarily activated by an intervention that reframes the possibilities for the space. Temporary urbanism uses faster and less expensive approaches to test concepts that would be prohibitively unproven for permanent interventions.”

DC Cultural Plan (Working Draft)

“Parklets are an extension of the sidewalk into the street, exchanging curbside road space for additional public gathering space.”

Parklet Program (DDOT)

Creative placemaking“The intentional use of arts and culture to shape the physical, social and economic opportunities in communities. These projects deploy arts and cultural resources to illuminate new ways of utilizing places.”

DC Cultural Plan (working draft)

Publ ic l i fe

Public life is what people create when they connect with each other in public spaces—the streets, plazas, parks, and city spaces between buildings.

Public life is about the everyday activities that people naturally take part in when they spend time with each other outside their homes, workplaces, and cars. Public life studies analyze observed human behavior in shared spaces to inform policy, regulations, and temporary or permanent public space design interventions.

The District of Columbia is fortunate to have a wealth of park spaces, squares, and pedestrian-friendly streets that provide opportunities for a vibrant and rich public life. As the District grows, ensuring that all groups and people can enjoy public life in our shared spaces is an important part of achieving an inclusive city.

Public life is a driver of:

• Physical and mental health

• Sustainable mobility

• Social benefits

• Culture, identity, and sense of place

• Safety

• Economic Development

The methodology for studying public life applies techniques developed by the Gehl Institute as adapted by the DC Office of Planning. Analysis can consist of assessing:

• urban quality in terms of its protection, accessibility, comfort, and enjoyment,

• counts of pedestrian and bicycle movements through public space,

• mapping stationary activities of the individuals and groups who are staying or lingering in public space, and

• intercept surveys that capture perceptions and desires of the people using public space.

For more information, contact Thor Nelson, Senior Urban Designer at (202) 741-5241 or by email at [email protected].


Each city is shaped by its own unique social, spatial and regulatory environments. These contexts ultimately inform the type of space activation and stewardship that is most appropriate for a location. In order to be relevant and successful, activation of the public realm needs to be highly responsive to context.

What are some of the most relevant forces shaping context in the District? The District has a long tradition of cultural engagement– both in more formal, institutional structures, and via informal, community-led interventions. The District also has a long tradition of providing excellence in both design and regulation of the public

realm, in ways that safeguard and inspire people. As both a major city and capital of the United States, public spaces are also activated by civic uses and events.

When it comes to the public realm, these three sets of forces can be complementary. In total, these forces determine the overall “impact” that a project has on its community and environment. This guide identifies ten different aspects that individuals and groups who are interested in undertaking projects in the public realm should consider. These have been grouped under the headings of “cultural criteria”, “civic criteria”, and “spatial criteria”.

Public space activation resides at the intersection of cultural, civic, and spatial considerations.

Aspects of Publ ic Space Act ivat ion

ARTS COMPONENT Activations can showcase local talent and community through art, music, spoken word, and live performances by local, national, and/or international artists/performers.

CULTURAL/HISTORIC

Cultural heritage and local history can be shared in various ways in the public realm to provide a greater understanding and transparency of community identity.

C U L T U R A L C R I T E R I A

CHAMPIONS AN ISSUE Public activation can be used as a change agent, creating awareness about key issues.

SOCIAL EQUITY Equity means not showing bias or preference for one individual, group or agency. Public space interventions can help demonstrate equity in real time.

C I V I C C R I T E R I A

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Engaging stakeholders in the process of activation can grow social capital and establish ways to reach common goals. Stakeholders can include residents, community groups/organizations, local business partners, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and developers.

PROTOTYPE POTENTIAL Temporary public space activations can open the door for more permanent solutions, opportunities to reconsider scale, and similar installations in other locations.

LIFE SAFETY/SECURITY Safety, accessibility, and organized methods of movement are key factors that contribute to the overall success of public space activations.

DURATION Activations can be temporary or permanent. The duration of an activation can affect its overall impact, permitting track, and stewardship requirements.

COST Different activations will have varying costs. These costs could include permit application, staffing, materials, and maintenance fees.

SCALE The scale of an activation or event can be measured by various metrics, including its physical area, the number of people it reaches, or the size of the issue that is being highlighted.

S P A T I A L C R I T E R I A

CULTURAL

CIVIC

SPATIAL

PUBLIC SPACE

IMPACT

ACTIVATION


The Creators, The Consumers, The Regulators

Creators, the people who produce cultural expressions. Consumers, the people who experience and support cultural production. Regulators, the agencies that safeguard the health & welfare of the people.

CREATORS

Creators are the people who envision, plan, and implement space activation projects and events. They often take the project from initial conception through maintainence and stewardship phases. Creators can include: independent citizens, neighborhood groups, institutions, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and government agencies.

Space activation and stewardship projects are frequently perceived as impromptu, organic events. However, these projects often involve the same planning and implementation processes as long-term interventions. There are many groups that participate in the process of creating, consuming, regulating, and enjoying an active public realm.

REGULATORS

Regulators reinforce the District’s goal of making public spaces inclusive, equitable, aesthetically pleasing, and safe. Correspondingly, there are a number of agencies that review public space applications and others that create and develop space activation and stewardship strategies. These agencies and their specific roles in regulating the public realm are listed on the following pages.

CONSUMERS

Consumers are the people who experience and support events and activations in the public realm through participation. The level of engagement that consumers have with a project can vary widely from passive enjoyment to physical participation in an event or installation. Consumers can include: residents, workers, and visitors.


AGENCIES INVOLVED IN PUBLIC SPACE CREATION, REGULATION & STEWARDSHIP

Commission of Arts & Humanities (CAH)

District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department (DCFEMS)

District of Columbia Office of Planning (OP)

Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)

Department of General Services (DGS)

Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR)

District Department of Transportation (DDOT)

Department of Public Works (DPW)

General Services Administration (GSA)

Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEMA)

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

Mayor’s Special Events Task Group (MSETG)

National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC)

U.S. Capital Police (USCP)

U.S. National Park Service (NPS)

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)

CAH

CAH provides grants, plans events, and commissions public art installations. Murals DC is a key initiative in partnership with DPW.

DCFEMS

DCFEMS is responsible for providing public safety guidance as part of the Mayor’s Special Events Task Group (MSETG).

OP

OP guides physical development in the District, planning for neighborhoods, corridors, districts, community visioning, parks, and open spaces. OP has a number of ongoing initiatives supporting creative placemaking.

DCRA

DCRA is a consumer protection agency and permitting authority. They are a key member of the MSETG and issues Special Event Licenses for festivals and stationary events in the public realm.

DGS

DGS is responsible for construction, management, and maintenance of District facilities and land.

DPR

DPR operates and programs District’s parks, playgrounds, and community centers.

DDOT

DDOT has management and oversight authority over the use, design, and occupancy of public space (all publicly owned property between the property lines on a street).

DPW

DPW contributes to making public spaces and streets in the District clean, safe, and accessible through parking enforcement and environmental services/solid waste management.

GSA

GSA leases and maintains Federal Government property and buildings.

HSEMA

HSEMA safeguards the District from all threats and hazards, and leads and manages the MSETG procedures.

MPD

MPD is responsible for keeping peace and order in the public realm without prejudice to event content. MPD is the sole permitting agency for parades.

MSETG

MSETG organizes the city’s public safety planning efforts for events requiring inter-agency coordination.

NCPC

NCPC works with federal agencies to preserve and enhance the extraordinary historical, cultural, and natural resources and federal assets of the National Capital Region.

USCP

USCP is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment throughout U.S. Capitol Grounds, spanning 270 acres and including Congressional buildings and grounds. USCP is a member of MSETG.

NPS

NPS manages national parks, national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties.

WMATA

WMATA manages the space in and around metro stations, and owns or controls real estate assets to promote ridership and enhance communities.

Supporters and Faci l i tators


Defining public space in the Distr ict

Public Right-of-Way (ROW) refers to the surface, the air space above the surface, and below the surface of any public street, bridge, tunnel, highway, lane, path, alley, sidewalk, or boulevard. The ROW is maintained by DDOT and remains the most valuable public asset of the city.

Cartway and Roadway refers to the space between curbs reserved primarily for transportation purposes (e.g., motorized vehicles and bikes).

CARTWAYRIGHT-OF-WAY


Distr ict of Columbia- spat ia l typologies

Sidewalks (may extend to property line on commercial streets)

ParksPublic Parking & Building Projection(primarily on residential streets)

Private Property

A sidewalk is made up typically of a curbside treebox zone where street trees, street lights, meters, hydrants, signage, and similar fixtures are located; and a clear pedestrian path that is free of fixed obstructions but may have sidewalk cafes, wayfinding, and other pedestrian-oriented uses.

Public Parking or Building Restriction Line (BRL) refers to the area that is legally part of the city’s parks system. This area located behind the sidewalk zone, should remain park-like in nature, but allows for building projections, such as bay windows, steps, etc. The BRL is private space but falls under the public space regulations.

Parks are typically public spaces owned by the city or the National Park Service (or privately held but required to be publically accessible) that are not part of the street ROW. Many different agencies maintain responsibility for these such as DPR, DOH, DDOT on the local side, or NPS on the federal side.


Imp

act Exam

ples


My DC at 14th Street NW Washington, DC

Community Engaging stakeholders in the

process of activation can grow

social capital and establish ways to

reach common goals. Stakeholders

can include residents, community

groups/organizations, local business

partners, BIDs, and developers.

© Murals DC © Murals DC

Ward 7 Superstops Washington, DC

Duration Activations can be temporary or

permanent. The duration of an

activation can affect its overall

impact, permitting track, and

stewardship requirements.

WHO: Murals DC

WHAT: Mural project - through Murals DC and artist Tim Conlon, this project engaged the Petworth community through a partnership with the District Department of Public Works and the District Commission on the Arts & Humanities.

WHERE: Petworth, Washington D.C.

IMPACT: Encouraged expression and engagement in the Petworth community- the site was identified by community members, who were also instrumental in the planning, design, and creation of the mural.

WHO: Gehl Architects, Nick Nawa, and the Ward 7 Community

WHAT: Temporary use of wide sidewalks for ephemeral events and temporary structures. The public realm was activated with playable structures, a musical bench, and a mobile storytelling porch as a fun destination for community building for play, physical activity, and interaction.

WHERE: Ward 7, Washington D.C.

IMPACT: A collaborative design-build process allowed the neighborhood to take an active role in creating a sense of place, enhancing safety, and creating alternate conditions in the public realm. Stories came to life by providing space for longtime residents to engage with fellow residents, youth, and morning and evening commuters.


Beyond the Renwick Washington, DC

Arts Component Activations can showcase local

talent and community through

art, music, spoken word, and live

performances by local, national, and/

or international artists/performers.

Funk Parade Washington, DC

Cultural/Historical Cultural heritage and local history

can be shared in various ways in the

public realm to provide a greater

understanding and transparency of

community identity.

WHO: Partnership between the Golden Triangle BID and the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery

WHAT: The central business district was activated with six public art installations as an extension of the ‘No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man’ exhibit.

WHERE: Central Business District within the Golden Triangle.

IMPACT: Expanded the display of artwork outside the museum into streets and parks within the Golden Triangle as an extension of a museum, allowing for more visibility, interaction, and awareness of exhibits.

WHO: U Street Cultural & Arts Community

WHAT: The Funk Parade is an annual public music and arts festival along the U Street corridor, celebrating the diverse cultural history of the neighborhood and its impact on the musical history of the city.

WHERE: U Street Corridor, Washington D.C.

IMPACT: The parade is an epicenter of African American arts, music, and culture, drawing together local businesses and the arts community to showcase live musical performances, visual arts, and food vendors.


Artscape Balt imore, MD

Scale The scale of an activation or event

can be measured by various metrics,

including its physical area, the

number of people it reaches, or

the size of the issue that is being

highlighted.

Artscape 2014 © Jaymyang

Team Better Block Nationwide, USA

Cost Different activations will have varying

costs. These costs could include

permit application, staffing, materials,

and maintenance fees.

© Stephanie Zollshan, Berkshire Eagle© Stephanie Zollshan, Berkshire Eagle

WHO: Office of Promotion & The Arts, on behalf of Baltimore Festival of the Arts, Inc.

WHAT: The annual festival includes live concerts, artist markets, outdoor sculpture, installations, visual art exhibits, performing arts, film, family-friendly events and entertainment, and local food and beverage offerings.

WHERE: Mount Royal, Baltimore, MD

IMPACT: The multi-day event is widely attended and contributes to the total economic impact for the city. In the past, the event has attacted an upwards of 350,000 people to the city.

WHO: Team Better Block

WHAT: The firm engages communities by planning and orchestrating short term local events to temporarily improve the physical and economic environment on a specific city block.

WHERE: Nationwide, USA

IMPACT: The firm engages communities to participate in workshops that allow residents to share their input on methods to transform respective neighborhoods, focusing on underused public spaces, for both temporary use and long-term repurposing.


Life in My Shoes Walkway London, UK

Champions an Issue Public activation can be used as a

change agent, creating awareness

about key issues.

© The London Evening Standard© The London Evening Standard

Smithsonian Folkl ife Festival Washington, DC

Life Safety/Security Safety, accessibility, and organized

methods of movement are key

factors that contribute to the

overall success of public space

interventions.

© The Smithsonian Institution© The Smithsonian Institution

WHO: Body & Soul’s Youth Program

WHAT: ‘Life in My Shoes’ is an interactive public exhibition for HIV charity.

WHERE: Southbank, London, UK

IMPACT: The exhibition creates portraits of those living with HIV as a means to create empathy and understanding with passerbys on the Southbank of London.

WHO: The Smithsonian Institution

WHAT: The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is the largest public annual event in the District celebrating contemporary living cultural traditions, encouraging cultural exchange and attracting more than one million visitors yearly for two-weeks - overlapping with the July 4th festivities.

WHERE: National Mall, Washington, D.C.

IMPACT: The festival includes daytime and evening programs that range from musical and performing arts performances, to craft and cooking demonstrations.


Market St Prototyping Festival San Francisco, CA

Prototype Potential Temporary public space

interventions can open the door

for more permanent solutions,

opportunities to reconsider scale,

and similar installations in other

locations.

© Joaquin Tobar & Adam Marcus © San Francisco Design Week

SEE/CHANGE Washington, DC

Social Equity Equity means not showing bias or

preference for one individual, group

or agency. Public space interventions

can help demonstrate equity in real

time.

WHO: Yerba Buena Center and the San Fracisco Planning Department

WHAT: Festival for testing innovative approaches for redesigned sidewalks that are more active and engaging.

WHERE: Market Street, San Francisco, CA

IMPACT: Fifty models, or prototypes, are on display over the course of three days that range as performance spaces, art installations, spaces for relaxation and education, and green spaces, bridging together people and community.

WHO: Pink Line Project

WHAT: Curated by the Pink Line Project to create social equity by promoting community awareness, See/Change was a series of recorded video interviews of both old and new community members that were turned into video portraits that were displayed on vacant storefront windows and projected on walls of neighborhood buildings.

WHERE: Park View and Pleasant Plains neighborhoods, Washington, D.C.

IMPACT: The project built empathy and visibility of community members to highlight the effects of population change and redevelopment in the Park View and Pleasant Plains neighborhoods.


DC Community Block Party

Washington, DC

Civic Engagement Encourages the use of neighborhood

streets for safe play and social

interaction between neighbors of all

ages.

WHO: Neighbors

WHAT: Neighborhood Block Party (NBP) is a way to rediscover the art of neighboring. Typically held in residential neighborhoods NBPs are small-scale events that use the public right-of-way as a platform for neighbors to gather.

WHERE: Throughout Washington, D.C.

IMPACT: NBPs are characterized as fun, age-friendly gatherings to meet neighbors, build friendships, and develop a sense of belonging and security among residents. Participatory by design, NBPs strengthen the social fabric of neighborhoods and build community through positive interactions among residents.


Activation

& S

teward

ship

Tools


FOLLOW TRACK H: CONSULT GSA

PRIVATE PROPERTY

Track Sort ing Form

Answer the questions below to determine which track your public space activation could follow. Once completed, reference the following pages to get a grasp of the available resources, time needed, and average costs associated with your track!

Is your activation permanent or temporary?

Does your idea appear on DDOT’s “Construction Work Permit Type” list?

PUBLIC SPACE OCCUPANCY

PERMIT (DDOT)

FOLLOW TRACK C: SEEK PROPERTY OWNER

APPROVAL

FOLLOW TRACK D: PARKS & RECREATION

PERMIT (DPR)

FOLLOW TRACK E: PUBLIC GATHERING

PERMIT (NPS)

FOLLOW TRACK G: DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS APPLICATION (DGS)

Is the public space District or Federal owned or controlled? Check here!

Is it a park?

Is your roadway activation for a neighborhood block party?

PERMANENT TEMPORARY

YES

PARKING LANE SIDEWALK

PUBLIC PROPERTY

(NON RIGHT-OF-WAY)

DISTRICT FEDERAL

FOLLOW TRACK F: MAYOR’S SPECIAL EVENTS

TASK GROUP (MSETG)

NO

Is it a park?

YES NO

YES

NO

District Agency

Federal Agency

Where do you plan to implement your public space activation?

ROADWAY (CURB TO CURB)

YES

Is it a school?

NO

District Agencies that regulate parks:

• DPR

• DDOT

FOLLOW TRACK B: FOLLOW TRACK A: PUBLIC SPACE

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT APPLICATION (DDOT)

NO

Note: Even if the permanent structure is not on the “construction work permit type” list, the Applicant is still required to apply for a Public Space Construction Permit.

Applicant should try to find the permit type that most closely aligns or contact DDOT’s permits office with what is being proposed for guidance.

YES

Note: May require DCRA approval depending on event type or size.


https://propertyquest.dc.gov/

Tracks by Minimum Lead Time

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

0 1 3 6 12 Track Agency Permit

Track A DDOT Public Space Construction Permit

Track B DDOT Public Space Occupancy Permit

Track C N/A Property Owner Approval

Track D DPR Parks & Recreation Permit

Track E NPS Public Gathering Permit

Track F MSETG Mayor’s Special Events Task Group

Track G DGS DC Public Schools Application

Track H GSA Consult GSA’s Office of Portfolio Management

Track Summary

months

*approximate permitt ing durat ions only

Note:The following pages have more information on implementation based on individual tracks.

https://ddot.dc.gov/page/permit-applications

May require DCRA approval depending on event type or size.

https://dpr.dc.gov/permits

https://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm

https://hsema.dc.gov/service/plan-special-event

https://dcps.dc.gov/publication/application-use-facilities

https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/public-buildings-ser-vice/office-of-portfolio-mgmt-customer-engagement/of-fice-of-portfolio-management




https://dpr.dc.gov/permits

https://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm

https://hsema.dc.gov/service/plan-special-event

https://dcps.dc.gov/publication/application-use-facilities

https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/organization/public-buildings-service/office-of-portfolio-mgmt-customer-engagement/office-of-portfolio-management




Track E: Public Gathering Permit (NPS)

Notes

Track B: Public Space Occupancy Permit (DDOT)

Notes

15-45 days

$110-200 (approx.)

Track F: Mayor’s Special Events Task Group (MSETG)

Approximate Fees

Notes

$1,000-$5,000+ (approx.)

Track G: Public Schools Application (DGS)

Notes

20-45 days

$5-$600 (approx.)

Track D: Parks & Recreation Permit (DPR)

Approximate Fees

Notes

30-45 days

$5-$600 (approx.)

Appl icat ions are due 30 days pr ior to one’s event . Permits are typical ly processed in 10 business days.

Permit fees are hourly and vary in cost i f the appl icant is a resident or non-resident .

Track A: Public Space Construction Permit (DDOT)

Notes

Track C: Property Owner Approval

Notes

Appl icat ion Review takes approximately 30 days. I f Publ ic Space Committee (PSC) is required, a l lot at least 45 days.

Appl icat ion Fee $50

Technology Fee 10%

*Permit Fee var ies

This track is the most informal and one’s act ivat ion is approved at the discret ion of the pr ivate property owner.

*Reference Crossing the Street ’s Superstops as a helpful Case Study

Permit appl icat ion must occur 12 months pr ior to event . Prel iminary Consultat ion Meeting must occur 70 days pr ior to event .


*Insurance Requirement var ies

Occupancy Permits often only require 15 days lead t ime, with the exception of permits that require Publ ic Space Committee approval .


Technology Fee 10%

Permit Fee $50

Letter of Intent (LOI) is due a minimum of 180 days and maximum of 365 days pr ior to event .

*Permit Fees vary based on event s ize, locat ion, and number of permits required by the MSETG.

* Insurance Requirement var ies .

Required forms must be submitted to DGS a minimum of 20 days pr ior to the proposed use.

*Fees and insurance var ies based on event locat ion and durat ion.

Approximate Fees

30-45 days

$55-$205 (approx.)

Approximate Fees

May Vary

$0

6-12 months

$120-$2,000+ (approx.)

6-12 months6-12 months

$120-$2,000+ (approx.)

Approximate Time(permitt ing durat ion only)

Approximate FeesApproximate Fees

Approximate Fees







Track H: GSA’s Office of Portfol io Management

https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/orga-nization/public-buildings-service/of-fice-of-portfolio-mgmt-customer-engage-ment/office-of-portfolio-management

General Note:Al l t imes and fees for Tracks A-G are approxmiate and requirements wi l l vary.






Activation and Stewardship Worksheets

The following pages contain a series of worksheets that provide different approaches to looking at public space. These worksheets provide insight on how space can be used, how activation projects can take design cues from their surroundings, and how programming considerations can be built upon community culture and history.

These worksheets are optional tools that may be selected for use, dependent upon the type of project that an individual or group is interested in undertaking.

Worksheets

Mapping Public Space

Design Considerations

Community Engagement

Mapping Aspects ofPublic Space Activation

Cultural Considerations

Budgeting and Funding

Stewardship


Mapping Public Space Instruct ions

DESCRIPTION

In order to be stewards and activators of the public realm, it is important to understand how people use space. By observing and mapping public life and public space, new understandings of public space and its possibility for activation may result.

Template Sheet

Mapping Public Space: How many?

Pe

op

le

Cars

Bicycle

s

Sco

ote

rs

Oth

er

5

10

15

20

25

Mapping Public Space: How many?

Pe

op

le

Cars

Bicycle

s

Sco

ote

rs

Oth

er

5

10

15

20

25

DIRECTIONS

1. Count how many people, cars, bicycles, etc.

2. Notice who is the using the space (adults, school children, etc.)

3. Note key features (fountains, bus stops, benches, trees, etc.)

4. Record what people are doing and for how long (walking, sitting, etc.)

5. Reflect on your notes and ask yourself if there are any interesting patterns or opportunities for improvement.

Ideas for Improvement: Shading device so that

all benches get sun protection...a dog fountain

for water...painting the benches to attract more

pedestrians.

Observations Bench under tree is used 2x more than bench in the sun.

2 city bike docking stations within eye sight.

More dogs than bicycles on Saturdays!

OBSERVATIONS

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Print out of a map of the area you are observing from to take notes on.

You can use dots for where people stop or sit, and lines for the direction

people walk, bike, etc.

https://www.wired.com/2014/01/space-syntax-china/amp https://www.pinterest.com/pin/305048574730427146/?lp=true https://www.murdockmfg.com/photo-album.aspx?albumId=9


Design Considerations Instruct ions

Template Example

DESCRIPTION

Design considerations impact the way that people will experience an activation. By following a few simple steps, a design approach can be developed for activations small and large.

DIRECTIONS

1. Note the context. What is nearby? Are there office buildings, rowhomes, restaurants, parks? Are the buildings newer and modern, or older and historic?

2. Understand your purpose and goals. What is the big idea behind the activation? Can the project’s “why” inspire its look and feel?

3. Consider your design. Does the activation blend or contrast with its context? Find some images that inspire what you see for this space.

4. Think about materials and color. What is your activation made with? Is there a color that is important to the activation’s meaning or purpose?

5. Consider execution. Will the activation require help from professionals? Does the budget or schedule impact the design?

6. Use your resources. DC has robust planning manuals, reference DDOT’s Public Realm Design Manual and Design and Engineering Manual (DEM) for DDOT standards.

7. Evaluations (How would you evaluate success?)

8. Maintenance and Management. Who will maintain and manage the design?

EXAMPLE SIDEWALK HERB GARDEN CELEBRATING ADAMS MORGAN CULINARY CULTURE

CONTEXT Very vibrant and colorful...historic rowhome buildings...restaurants and shops...only one tree.

COLOR Green! To contrast with the purple while still being vibrant.

MATERIAL Soil, herbs, re-used wooden crates from local businesses, green and white paint.

STYLE Eclectic but modern. The crates can be various heights to mimic the heights of the rowhomes.

STANDARDS Design must maintain minimum sidewalk width, reference Section 31.2.1.1 of DDOT’s DEM.

DESIGN WORKSHEET

BIG IDEA:

CONTEXT

COLOR

MATERIAL

STYLE

STANDARDS


Community Engagement Worksheet

Cultural Considerations Worksheet

DESCRIPTION

Communities are at the heart of places. Engaging with individuals and organizations can strengthen an activation’s purpose, momentum, funding, and more.

DIRECTIONS

1. Make a list of the stakeholders and organizations in your community. Is your community made up of homeowners, small businesses, civic groups, ANCs, BIDs, commercial users, etc.?

2. Identify which stakeholders might be interested in participating in your activation or stewardship project. Consider flyers, emails, phone calls, going door-to-door, etc.

3. Devise a strategy for engagement. Successful techniques include interviews, surveys, visioning sessions, site visits, fundraisers, websites, etc.

DESCRIPTION

The District is rich in culture and diversity, and public space activation is an opportunity to celebrate this. Use this worksheet to begin to map the “cultural impact” of an activation.

DIRECTIONS

Fill out the Cultural Mapping chart below to determine the key cultural components in an activation. The components for this chart are History, Arts, Heritage, and Rituals. Imagine how the activation could apply to each of these sectors.

HISTORY/ARCHITECTURE

HERITAGE/PEOPLE

ARTS

RITUALS

EXISTING CONTEXT

ACTIVATION IDEAS

EXISTING CONTEXT

ACTIVATION IDEAS

EXISTING CONTEXT

ACTIVATION IDEAS

EXISTING CONTEXT

ACTIVATION IDEAS


SET-UP / INSTALLATION

Budgeting & Funding Worksheet

Stewardship Worksheet

DESCRIPTION

Use this worksheet to budget and apply for funding if necessary. Key considerations are listed in the right-hand column.

BUDGETING

• Permit Fees

• Labor

• Food/Beverage

• Marketing

• Maintenance

FUNDRAISING

• Grant Programs (Commission of Arts & Humanities, Office of Planning, Foundations, etc.)

• Creative partnerships with local businesses and/or community non-profit organizations

• Donations of labor, food, beverage, etc.

DESCRIPTION

Stewardship is the job of supervising or taking care of something. Public space stewardship is important throughout project implementation. Use the checklist below to determine at which stages stewardship is most needed.

BUDGET WORKSHEET

PERMIT FEES $50

LABOR FEES Donated time.

FOOD/BEVERAGE $100 (chips & soda)

MARKETING Free (social media)

MAINTENANCE N/A (temporary)

TOTAL $150

POSSIBLE FUNDING

Grants

Sponsorships

Will there be machinery used during set-up that could damage the grounds, street, curb, etc.?

Will the set-up impact any usual ongoings in this public space?

Will there be excessive noise?

Y N N/A

Throughout the activation’s duration, are there elements that need to be maintained?

Will there be re-painting, watering, trimming, sweeping, etc.?

Will the activation leave the public space altered from its original state?

Will steps need to be taken to restore the space, and which ones?

For more permanent interventions, will there be long-term maintenance required in terms of utilities, trash, service, etc?

Will there be agency oversight to ensure proper maintenance?

DIRECTIONS

Answering “yes” means that stewardship will be a factor in that stage of activation. Permitting agencies generally ensure that proper steps are taken for stewardship. This checklist is meant to encourage public space stewardship beyond the requirements.

LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE

BREAKDOWN & REMOVAL

NEAR-TERM MAINTENANCE

Creative Partnerships in StewardshipNo Spectators: Beyond the RenwickFor the first time, the Renwick Gallery’s art will extend beyond the walls of the gallery, as large-scale pieces will be showcased throughout the Golden Triangle BID.

In this unique partnership, the Renwick Gallery are the curators and the Golden Triangle BID will serve as stewards of the installations, ensuring the art is well-maintained.


__%Cultural

__%Spatial

__%Civic

42%Civic

34%Spatial 5 main driver for intervention

4 complementary driver

3 secondary consideration

2 considered with low priority

1 not relevant or applicable

IMPACT RUBRIC

IMPACT CHART

Cultural Significance Civic Significance Spatial Significance

Co

mm

un

ity Invo

lvem

en

t

Arts C

om

po

ne

nt

Cu

ltural/h

istoric

Ch

amp

ion

s an issu

e

So

cial Eq

uity

Scale

Co

st

Du

ration

Life S

afety/se

curity

Pro

totyp

e P

ote

ntial

1

2

3

4

5DESCRIPTION

At the completion of any public space activation and stewardship project, it may be helpful to reflect upon lessons learned and evaluate the impact that a project had on the city and community. By completing an Impact Concept matrix, individuals can apply a quantitative evaluation rubric to determine the cultural, civic and spatial strengths of a project.

In addition, data capture should be considered to help gather information. Types of data that may be relevant include: Number of participants or visitors; Number of organizations involved; and Visitor satisfaction. This type of feedback may be helpful to measure growth of events as they are repeated over time, especially as it relates to potential funding opportunities.

DIRECTIONS

1. Think about each aspect of the project (listed on the bottom of the chart) and rate its importance on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being “not relevant or applicable” and 5 being a “main driver for intervention”. Place a circle on the Impact Chart to reflect your evaluation.

2. Add the number of points for each major category heading of “Cultural Significance”, “Civic Significance”, and “Spatial Significance”. Total the overall number of points across all three.

3. Using the total and subtotals, determine the relative weight of each, using percentages. Graph these on the pie chart.

Cultural Significance Civic Significance Spatial Significance

Co

mm

un

ity Invo

lvem

en

t

Arts C

om

po

ne

nt

Cu

ltural/h

istoric co

mp

on

en

ts

Ch

amp

ion

s an issu

e

So

cial Eq

uity

Scale

Co

st

Du

ration

Life S

afety/se

curity

Pro

totyp

e P

ote

ntial

1

2

3

4

5

7 points

____

24%

12 points

____

42%

10 points

____

29 points

____

TOTAL

TOTAL

34% 100%

24%Cultural

Mapping Aspects of Public Space Activation Worksheet


Special Thanks

DDOT’s Transportation Online Permit Systems (TOPS)

Useful References

DC Atlas Plus

MSETG Special Events Planning Guide

DDOT’s Permit Fee Calculator

https://tops.ddot.dc.gov/DDOTPERMITSYSTEM/DDOTPERMITONLINE/Landing.aspx

http://atlasplus.dcgis.dc.gov/

https://hsema.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/hsema/publication/attachments/2018%20MSETG%20Spe-cial%20Events%20Planning%20Documents_2.pdf

https://ddot.dc.gov/page/public-space-permit-fee-calculators

DCOP’s Crossing the Street Final Reporthttps://planning.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/op/page_content/attachments/Crossing%20the%20Street%20Zine_Spread_2017.12.27%20%28NXPowerLite%20Copy%29.pdf

DC Historic Alley Buildings Surveyhttps://planning.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/op/publication/attachments/Alley%20Survey%20FINAL.pdf

Vending Development Zones Regulations

DC Comprehensive Planhttps://planning.dc.gov/page/comprehensive-plan

DDOT’s Design and Engineering Manual

DC PropertyQuest

HistoryQuest DC

https://ddot.dc.gov/page/design-and-engineering-manual

http://propertyquest.dc.gov/

https://planning.dc.gov/page/historyquest-dc

DCMR - Chapter 24 - Public Spacehttps://www.dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/ChapterList.aspx?TitleId=19

Public Realm Design Manualhttps://ddot.dc.gov/PublicRealmDesignManual

http://dcrules.elaws.us/dcmr/24-570

Funding for this guide was made possible through the Technical Assistance Transportation/Land-Use Connections Program from the Transportation Planning Board (TPB). The DC Office of Planning would like to give special thanks to the project consultant team from Gensler, Carolyn Sponza, Allison Palmadesso and Ahmed Zaman, for their work on developing the guide.

The DC Office of Planning would like to thank the following people for their support and assistance with developing the guide:

DC Office of Planning

Joshua Silver, Lead Planner for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Project Manager

Chris Shaheen, Program Manager

Timothy Maher, Urban Designer

Erkin Ozberk, Senior Neighborhood Planner

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

Arianna Koudounas, Transportation Planner

The DC Office of Planning would also like to thank the following agencies who provided guidance and critical feedback on content and consistency with District public space policies and regulations:

DC Department of Transportation

DC Department of Parks and Recreation

DC Commission on Arts and Humanities

DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs

DC Department of General Services

DC Department of Public Works

DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment

Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency

Metropolitan Police Department

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority OP Public Life Studies

Urban Design Elementhttps://planning.dc.gov/node/574802

Parks, Recreation and Open Space Elementhttps://planning.dc.gov/node/574662

https://planning.dc.gov/page/public-life-studies


https://tops.ddot.dc.gov/DDOTPERMITSYSTEM/DDOTPERMITONLINE/Landing.aspx

http://atlasplus.dcgis.dc.gov/

https://hsema.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/hsema/publication/attachments/2018%20MSETG%20Special%20Events%20Planning%20Documents_2.pdf

https://hsema.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/hsema/publication/attachments/2018%20MSETG%20Special%20Events%20Planning%20Documents_2.pdf

https://ddot.dc.gov/page/public-space-permit-fee-calculators

https://planning.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/op/page_content/attachments/Crossing%20the%20Street%20Zine_Spread_2017.12.27%20%28NXPowerLite%20Copy%29.pdf

https://planning.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/op/page_content/attachments/Crossing%20the%20Street%20Zine_Spread_2017.12.27%20%28NXPowerLite%20Copy%29.pdf

https://planning.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/op/publication/attachments/Alley%20Survey%20FINAL.pdf

https://planning.dc.gov/page/comprehensive-plan

https://ddot.dc.gov/page/design-and-engineering-manual

http://propertyquest.dc.gov/

https://planning.dc.gov/page/historyquest-dc

https://www.dcregs.dc.gov/Common/DCMR/ChapterList.aspx?TitleId=19

https://ddot.dc.gov/PublicRealmDesignManual

http://dcrules.elaws.us/dcmr/24-570

https://planning.dc.gov/node/574802

https://planning.dc.gov/node/574662

https://planning.dc.gov/page/public-life-studies

EMAIL US

[email protected]

PHONE

(202) 442-7600

ADDRESS

District of Columbia Office of Planning1100 4th Street SW, Suite E650 Washington, DC 20024